Utah's conservation officers work to protect our wildlife heritage on behalf of ethical sportsmen and others who value wildlife. These dispatches represent a fraction of the ongoing efforts to protect your wildlife resources.

Posted December 16, 2015, 10:16 am

DWR seeks information about suspicious buck death in Iron County

Officers are asking for any information about this buck, believed to have been shot on or before Dec. 6, 2015, in the Shurtz Canyon area of Iron County.

IRON COUNTY — Between Dec. 6 and 10, 2015, an injured buck deer was seen walking in the Shurtz Canyon area of Iron County. According to residents, it appeared to have been shot in the abdomen. On Dec. 11, residents in the area found the deer dead and contacted the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

UDWR Officer Josh Carver investigated the buck and didn't find any evidence of injuries consistent with rut wounds caused by another buck.

Residents in the area said they'd seen someone trespassing and spotlighting in the area late one night, and believe the deer may have been shot at that time.

Because of the suspicious nature surrounding this deer's death, officers are seeking information from anyone who may have details about how this deer died.

If you have any information about this case, or any other wildlife crimes, please report it by calling the Utah Turn In a Poacher (UTIP) hotline at 800-662-3337. A reward may be available to those who provide information resulting in the apprehension of the offender(s).

The UDWR is making a concerted effort to patrol and monitor critical deer winter range areas. Large mule deer bucks are easy to see this time of year, sometimes making them easy targets for would-be poachers. The UDWR is thankful to all who are vigilant in watching out for Utah's wildlife and who aid in the apprehension of wildlife violators. Without their help, officers in the state could not be as effective as they are.